Ollie denies Harrington grudge: "That is a lot of b.s."

Jose Maria Olazabal believes he would have failed as a captain if he let his 2003 Seve Trophy falling out with Padraig Harrington influence his thinking on wildcards.European Ryder Cup skipper José María Olazábal today dismissed as “b.s.” the idea that his 2003 Seve Trophy row with Padraig Harrington is colouring his wildcard thinking.

The Spaniard insisted on Thursday that the three-time major winner Harrington must produce “at least a win” in The Barclays in New York to claim one of his two wildcards on Monday.

While some believe Olazábal has been especially harsh on the Irish star, he begs to differ.

“Well he is as close as some other players. Not closer than other players,” Olazábal told Sky Sports. “Simple as that.

“If you look at the list he is well back there, isn’t he? Sergio [Garcia] needed a win or a top-three last week to make the team, he is not any different to Sergio, is he? So I don’t think [sic] what it is all about.

“He is an experienced player, obviously. But at the moment he has not been able to deliver. Period. Simple as that.”

When asked if he had a problem with Harrington, going back to the 2003 Seve Trophy, Olazábal said: “If people believe that is interfering with my jugement, first of all they are completely wrong.

“If that was the case, I would be failing as a captain. So that is a lot of b.s. That’s putting it gently.”

"Being made Ryder Cup captain is a show of respect" - Olazábal

Jose Maria Olazabal and Paul McGinley on the final day of the Vivendi Seve Trophy in Paris last year. Olazabal says he will not be naming his vice captains until the spring. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieJosé María Olazábal spoke to the Spanish sports daily Marca about his preparations for this year’s Ryder Cup at Medinah. He shares his thoughts with Gerardo Riquelme with just nine months to go before the sides meet in Chicago.

Harrington and G-Mac - Ollie's new Langer and Woosie?

Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington are part of Jose Maria Olazábal’s plans for the Ryder Cup.If you thought the fall out from the fallout over pitchmark-gate at the 2003 Seve Trophy would scupper Padraig Harrington’s relationship with Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazábal, think again.

The Spanish maestro, 46, specifically mentioned the three-time major winning Dubliner in an audio interview with EuropeanTour.com, expressing his hope that the Irish star will rediscover his putting touch and win his seventh Ryder Cup cap in Chicago.

Asked by the Spanish media if he was worried that the friction between some European heavyweights (Westwood and McIlroy?) could cause problems at the Ryder Cup, he said: “I’m not worried at all. I had also problems with some players, but those problems were left behind as soon as Ryder Cup came. I hope they are mature enough, but if I see any friction I will let them know.”

Garcia on Harrington wildcard: "He wouldn't be a sure pick for me!"

Sergio Garcia walking off the 17th green after winning the 2008 Players Championship. Picture: Craig NealPádraig Harrington has history with the Spanish Armada and it appears it could come back to sink his Ryder Cup wildcard hopes this week.

Harrington: "The dogs in the street knew I wasn’t getting a pick"

“And my two picks to join and complete this team are Nicolas Colsaerts and Ian Poulter.” European captain José María Olazábal makes it official. Picture Stuart Adams www.golftourimages.comPadraig Harrington took his Ryder Cup wildcard blow on the chin but insisted he’ll roar back under an Irish skipper in 2014.